Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) celebrates a touchdown catch in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The perception of what will happen with the Cincinnati Bengals and star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins has taken a dramatic shift in recent weeks. It’s not just fans or even players who are interviewed, either.

Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson had a huge game Saturday night, increasing his NFL lead in sacks to 17.5.

Even though the money will be tough to figure out, there's still a glimmer of hope that Tee Higgins will remain with the Cincinnati Bengals beyond 2024

At the 9:49 mark of the first quarter, quarterback Joe Burrow hit Chase for a 12-yard touchdown catch to give the Bengals an early 7-0 lead. In doing so, Chase tied former Cincinnati wide receiver Carl Pickens for the most touchdown receptions in a single season in franchise history with 17.

The Cincinnati Bengals trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is eyeing a future together beyond Week 18. Ian Rappoport of NFL Network

As the Bengals try to earn a playoff spot, Joe Burrow is also looking to make sure Ja'Marr Chase makes NFL history.

CINCINNATI — Ja'Marr Chase is all business this week amidst the Bengals final playoff push to try and pull a miracle and make the AFC playoff field. The Bengals wide receiver discussed a calm demeanor flowing in the locker room.

The Cincinnati Bengals were playing to keep their playoff dreams alive. The Pittsburgh Steelers were playing for playoff position in the AFC. The first move on Saturday went to the Bengals and they drove for a touchdown.

Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals kept their NFL playoff hopes alive with a 19-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. Now, with the regular season over for the Bengals, they will need the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins to fall on Sunday in order to make the postseason.

One of the best pass-catchers in the league will be on show when Ja’Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, January 4, 2025.The Steelers are